ELIZABETH CITY – Two Department of Public Safety Correctional Department employees were killed and several people were injured Thursday during an unsuccessful escape attempt from Pasquotank Correctional Institution.
Correctional Officer Justin Smith, 35, who provided security at the facility’s sewing plant, and Enterprises Manager Veronica Darden, 50, who supervised inmates in the sewing plant, died during the incident, says NC Department of Public Safety spokesman Keith Acree.
“The DPS family is devastated by the tragic events that took place at Pasquotank Correctional Institution,” Public Safety Secretary Erik Hooks said in a statement. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and co-workers of the employees who lost their lives in service to the state. We will do everything we can to support their families during this difficult time. I want to thank law enforcement and emergency responders for their assistance, and we will do everything we can to assist the investigation.”
The incident began about 3 p.m. when inmates started a fire in the prison’s speciality sewing plant, Acree said. The fire was extinguished, but several inmates attempted to escape during the fire, but were not successful.
Correction Enterprises employs about 30 inmates and produces embroidered logo items, safety vests and other sewn items
Three prison employees remain hospitalized in critical condition at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital on Thursday night, according to Acree. Seven prison employees were treated and released from Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City. Four inmates were treated for injuries.
The names of the inmates who attempted to escape was not released.
Smith had worked as a correctional officer since 2012. Darden had been a Correction Enterprises employee since 2007 and previously had worked as a correctional officer.
Pasquotank Correctional Institution houses 725 male inmates in close, medium and minimum custody, Acree said.
The Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Department, along with the State Bureau of Investigation, are investigating the incident.
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